Well, this has been quite a week ...

Firstly, thank you all, so much, for your heartfelt sympathy about Smokey. I can't tell you how comforting your condolences have been to us.

As many of you suggested, we're focusing on how long and happy his life was. Someday, when we're ready, we'll get another cat (most likely two), but for now we'll work on adjusting to life without pets. It's a very odd feeling for animal lovers like us. I'd like to think there's a special place in Heaven for beloved pets ~ because Goodness knows they are such a big part of family life and family love. 

*~*

Now, I had another stressful situation happen this morning. A situation that pales in comparison to losing Smokey - more of an inconvenience really - but it left me with a horrible feeling inside: I had my pocketbook stolen while grocery shopping!

I still can't believe it - it happened so fast, just a rapidly unfolding mess. I was at my regular supermarket, where I do my shopping every Saturday morning ... I had been about halfway through the store when I found myself in the cookie aisle pondering, of all things, Teddy Grahams. I couldn't remember if they were on the Feingold diet or not, so I took my phone out of my purse and called home. For about a minute or so, I spoke with Bookworm who looked up the information I needed re ~ the cookies. (Fyi, they're Feingold-friendly.) I was literally standing right next to my cart, though I was turned away. I had my pocketbook propped up in the child seat - with my shopping notebook and coupon pouch sitting atop it. After I ended the call, I turned back to my cart and immediately noticed my bag was gone. For a second I looked around me as if I had left it somewhere else but within moments I realized it had been taken.

Ugh, what an awful feeling.

Well, I flew to customer service, nabbing a manager's attention along the away. This set off a flurry of activity. They immediately checked the parking lot and the store itself, the trash cans, etc. Nothing. My pocketbook was gone, and so was the (shameless) person who did it.

Oh my gosh, I just never pictured this happening to me ... I'm usually so careful with my personal effects! And I'm hardly ever on my cell phone. I really only use it for quick questions - to my mind, they are expensive distractions - but in this case, it was distraction just long enough. In under two minutes I'd been robbed.

So I called home to Bill of course, who sent my parents to fetch me (yes, the car keys were in my purse). Meanwhile he called the credit card companies, and I filed a police report. I also mentally recalled what I'd had in my bag:

> credit cards, bank cards, checkbook <

> (thankfully) no cash <

> driver's license, health cards, library card, various store rewards cards <

> keys to Bill's Prius and the house <

> my shopping notebook (with various household notes) and coupon collection <

> a prescription I'd picked up just that morning <

Luckily I had my phone in my hand ... though that's some iffy luck considering my phone got me in trouble in the first place!

So now it's several hours later ~ we've canceled all the cards, and put a "stop payment" on the checks. I got another prescription (the pharmacists were so kind and made the refill fast, no charge). We've had the Prius towed to the dealer (that was the only key we had) and started the reprogramming process. And most importantly, Bill installed a brand new lock on our front door.

As much as possible (on a long holiday weekend) things are taken care of - but I just feel so sick about this. I feel naive - and dumb, really - that I let this happen. I feel angry that someone would do this to me - to anyone. The nerve! The absolute brazen gall! I wish once they'd seen there was no cash they just dumped my bag somewhere, but it hasn't turned up yet and I doubt it will. (It was my LL Bean "starfish" tote, my favorite summer pocketbook.)

But again, like my dad very wisely reminded me as he and my mum drove me home - this was all just an inconvenience. And in light of the harrowing, horrible experiences people have had lately - that people have every day - this was small potatoes. I wasn't harmed. We took care of our accounts and next week I'll replace what I can, and make more calls to assure the safety of our credit.

So it's true - it was a hassle. It was off-putting, and maddening, really. But in the end, it was just a blip in the big picture.

Maybe that person was desperate - I doubt they have the kind of blessings and comforts I have in my life. I bet they don't have the kind of support and love I have in my life. I'd even say they aren't very happy and, who knows, they might not even have their health. There's no telling what drives people to do these things. I mean, I know it's easy to say it's all about greed, but whatever the reason, this person felt they had to do this. I feel sorry for them, really. 

(I'd like to kick them in the shins, but I do feel sorry for them.)

Well, friends, thanks for letting me vent - and thank you again again for your sympathy and all your support. I hope you all have a lovely, long, holiday weekend ...

Stay safe, be well, and appreciate all you have. So many people have so much less.

I'll see you again sometime soon.

:)

Comments

[Sue]

How frustrating about your purse! I have never had mine stolen, but did lose mine - and finally stopped carrying a purse altogether! On my last trip to the store, I carried 2 things in my pants pocket - my drivers license and the credit card I planned to use. And put my car keys in the other pocket - just make sure the pockets are deep enough lol!

[Alicia]

Uggh. Feel your pain. Hope they catch the thief and get your purse back to you. My wallet was stolen many years ago. It was sitting right next to my wide-awake(and very verbal)two year old. He never saw a thing.

[Stacy]

Like everyone else, I am so sorry this happened to you, but I am very grateful you are safe. You're dad is very wise, and I'm sure it was so comforting to have them come get you. It's funny you mentioning the trials others face...I was thinking about that very thing as I came to your blog. But don't discount your feelings- you did have someone walk right next to you and boldly steal your bag. That would shake me up! I am sending prayers for no further trouble from this incident and that the recovery of license and such will go smoothly.

[Heather]

Dawn,
Like everyone else, I am so sorry this had to happen to you, but God's grace is good to us in that He can cause us to thank Him that we are the one being stolen from and not the one doing the stealing. It so easily could be the reverse.
My heart goes out to you and your family to be treated this way but you are handling it very well. Much love to you and your family.
Heather

P.S. My mother was robbed of her purse when I was in grade eight, in her vehicle while being jabbed in the side with a stun gun at night in the rural countryside less than two miles from our home. I was very shaken for her, but admired her courage to trust in God for her comfort. May you know His comfort at this time as well. :)

[Dawn]

Thank you so much, everyone, for these kind comments - filled with support and advice.

The store did indeed have security cameras and yesterday a detective came by to show me a picture of the woman who stole my purse. I needed to identify my purse in her hand - and sure enough it was my bag. Unbelievable.

Still making phone calls and replacing things. Still hoping my discarded bag shows up somewhere. Mostly hoping this person is found and brought to justice.

Thanks again for helping me to feel better about what happened. I'm blessed to have such support here at home ~ and here with all of you. :)

~ Dawn

[Jo]

And that's why I come here. Your ability to show compassion in every situation and to always let your light shine. Thanks for that and God bless you.

[Tracy W.]

Sorry to hear of your troubles. A quick tip you may wish to post to all your readers- when shopping, use the child seat belt in the cart and put it through the handles of your purse and buckle your purse in! If a bad person attempts to swap your purse, they can't pull it out of your cart!

[Tracy from NJ]

Oh my I feel so sorry for you Dawn - what a terrible thing to happen! And, the scary thing for me is that I often leave my purse in the front child seat and I really don't pay all that much attention to it during my shopping. Not any more! I'm glad that you are okay but what an inconvenience to have to deal with. Be well.

[Bev]

Sorry to hear this happened! I would think the store had cameras and could see what happened hopefully. One thing I always used to do was lock my purse strap to the cart - using the child belt. That way, if someone did grab it, they wouldn't get far without realizing it was strapped in!

However, now, I carry a small wallet/purse when grocery shopping that goes diagonal from my shoulder to hip, so I don't have to worry about my purse in the cart anymore!

Hope those ideas help some.

[Mary Ellen Barrett]

What a nightmare, so sorry this happened to you.

[Gill]

Oh tough luck! Incredible how fast these things can happen. But yes, after all, it is minor in these days of catastrophe, even though it never feels that way at the time. At least you did have your phone:)

I once locked my purse, including phone, car keys and money, diaper bag and all, in the car itself, twenty miles from home, twenty miles from dh at work and with a baby and toddler in the stroller beside me in the carpark! At least they were not locked into the car!! And our friendly librarian allowed me refuge and a phone call to dh to come to the rescue :)

I hope that your purse may still turn up, even if without all the contents. Gill.

[Kristie]

Well, that stinks! Hoping that you get everything sorted out, and that they find some of your bag at least! How annoying! And a wonderful opportunity as you see, to realize how blessed you are!

[Jan]

Oh I am so sorry this happened to you! I would suggest getting used to wearing a cross body bag. It is the best way to try to stop a thief. Nothing is foolproof but it does help.

[Arlene @At Home with the Grimms]

So sorry to read of this Dawn....I saw a purse snatching once and THAT left me shaken. Some young guy pushed an elderly lady down and took her purse. Thank goodness he did not get far as someone stopped him. And your father is so wise....it is just an inconvenience in the big picture of life. Hoping today and tomorrow will be better.

[Nori Coleman]

So sorry to hear such awful news. I will pray for you for comfort and peace. I know how you feel,I had my purse stolen out of the trunk of my car years ago at a festival. All of the cars parked in a row were broken into.You are so right in pitying the person and they probably need prayers, too. Glad that you are okay.

[Lori N from MN]

I am so sorry Dawn. Thankfully there was no physical damage, but the feeling of personal violation is not a nice one.

I thank God for your wonderful, loving support system. Your dad has the best outlook! As do you for trying to be compassionate toward the thief.

I hope you feel better soon- blessings~

[Mary]

Oh Dawn, I am so sorry to hear this. I have been robbed too - twice as a matter of fact. - many years ago. And once I was assaulted on the subway...by two women!!!...while living in New York City. I would never live in New York again. Yes, it is so upsetting. It is usually motivated by a desire for drug money. So sad.

Keep your purse on your arm. And yes, definitely freeze your credit. It is the best thing you can do to protect your identity.

God bless you and may He keep you happy, healthy, and safe. You're in my prayers.

Love,

Mary

[sarah]

oh dear! Hopefully you'll get it back soon! I've had someone steal my bag ~ but they returned it to customer service, minus the cash. It was a pretty hefty loss, but I was grateful they returned the bag. I (still) hope they were someone who needed it and (still) pray for them when the situation comes to mind! Strange things, this earthly life.

[Penny]

Dawn. That.is.terrible. I remember when my bag was stolen in college, I was terrified because I couldn't change the locks until the next day.

I must say, despite the trauma, I think this is one of your best posts. Finding compassion along with the anger. You are amazing. As are your Mom and Dad, Bill and the kids. I love how you guys support each other.

Best of luck, and I hope you can get another bag that you love!

[Melissa R]

this is horrible. I have to say that I never put down my purse. I only carry a very small one that hangs around me like a messenger bag. I bet those people are going to be po'd that there was no cash! I like the idea of security cameras, any chance of the store helping with that?
There is nothing so awful then the feeling of invasion. I'm sorry it happened to you today.

[Teresa]

So sorry to hear of your horrible experience. Is there any way the store can look at store cameras to see if anyone was watching you through the store??? They would have had to watch your movements to find the right timing. You did good to think so quickly to shut down your card activity. Hopefully, they will try to use the cards and get caught!!!
I will pray for you Dawn, and ask God to reveal your personal belongings.
In Ohio,
TEresa

[OSG]

That is terrible Dawn :( I think I would cycle quickly between feeling compassion for the person and wanting to kick them in the shins too!

I do hope your bag turns up somewhere, I've had friends who have had their bags stolen and someone found them and handed them in to the police (although the cash and anything valuable were gone of course).

[se7en]

That's just dreadful, I am so sorry you must just feel so awfully cheated. I have to say that it can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime. And the hassle... just the kind of run around that you didn't have planned... I hope you feel better soon.

[Sue]

I am so sorry you had to go through that, Dawn! That really feels like a violation doesn't it? So thankful that you were not hurt or your safety threatened in any way. I'll say a prayer that no further harm will come of it - and I'll say one for the person who felt desperate enough to steal from you while I'm at it. ((hugs))

[Nancy]

Dawn...I'm so sorry this happened to you! Sometimes it can happen no matter how careful you are. It's really a pain to have to cancel all those cards and get the new drivers license.
You have the right attitude though...that it could be worse and you're right...we don't know the circumstances of the person who took your purse!
Don't forget to put a temporary hold on your credit file....I think it lasts for 3 months and if I'm not mistaken, you only have to do it with ONE of the three agencies (but all three of them will put the hold on).

Hang in there!